Phenol demand has strengthened worldwide compared to the previous year as relatively more derivatives projects are being announced. In Asia, notably China, the markets are tightening and prices are looking up. Traders have opinioned that less deep sea cargoes are coming into the region from Europe, which is also experiencing an increased in demand.

In Russia, JSC Kazanorgsintez’s PC/BPA plants will come onstream in the following year. Phenol and acetone productions will increase in parallel. What are the other developments among Russian producers? Where is the surplus for exports to the Chinese markets? Will this bring producers of other regions more export opportunities to China?

What about the situation in the Middle East, an import-reliant region? Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company, a Sabic affiliate, has been formed to produce specialized products including the phenol/acetone family. How will trade to the region be affected?

With increased in production capacities, more acetone are being brought to the markets, unquestionably depressing its price. Where are the outlets for producers to deploy the by-product? Alternatively, how can producers look at recycling the acetone? CMT’s 4th Phenol/Acetone Markets will discuss how some major producers are handling the over-supplied acetone situation as part of overall business sustainability.

This conference will also include the latest improvement to phenol production technology. Also hear from the logistics sector on phenol/acetone storage as well as obtain updates on the freight markets.

Key sessions include: